Why Is My Cat Sneezing? 6 Common Causes and What to Do About It

If you’ve been wondering, “Why is my cat sneezing so much?” it’s time to dig deeper and look for potential causes.

Occasional sneezing in cats is typically harmless, but frequent sneezing can be a symptom of health issues that may require attention. 

Exploring the causes behind persistent sneezing is the first step toward ensuring your cat is happy and healthy. 

And the Maven Pet Health Monitor can help you! This pet smart collar uses advanced technology to detect and register behavioral changes in your cat, from sleeping patterns to respiratory changes. By tracking your pet’s behavior, you can detect potential health issues early on. 

In this article, we’ll explore six common reasons for cat sneezing and provide actionable solutions to ensure your cat’s health.

Common Causes of Cat Sneezing

Let’s look at some of the most common causes of cat sneezing. 

1. Upper Respiratory Infections (URIs)

Similarly to the human common cold, cats can contract URIs caused by viruses like feline herpesvirus or calicivirus. These infections often lead to sneezing, nasal discharge, and watery eyes.

• Symptoms: Sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, loss of appetite.
• What you can do: Ensure your cat stays hydrated, use a humidifier to ease breathing, and take your furry friend to the vet if the symptoms persist.

2. Allergies

Another possible answer to the question “Why is my cat sneezing so much?” is allergies. 

Cats can develop allergies to various substances, including dust, pollen, mold, or certain foods. These allergens can trigger sneezing, which can become persistent if you don’t identify the cause immediately.

• Symptoms: Itchy skin, watery eyes, scratching, sneezing.
• What you can do: Identify and eliminate allergens from your cat’s environment. Air purifiers can also be useful, as they help reduce airborne allergens. If you suspect your cat has any food allergies, consult your vet for recommendations on hypoallergenic diets.

3. Nasal Irritants

Exposure to strong smells or chemicals, such as perfumes, detergents, and air fresheners can irritate your cat’s nasal passages, leading to sneezing.

• Symptoms: Sneezing after exposure to perfumes, cleaning agents, or strong odors.
• What you can do: Avoid using harsh chemicals and ensure proper ventilation in areas where your cat spends time.

4. Dental Problems & Gum Infections

Did you know that dental issues, such as tooth infections, can also trigger sneezing? These infections can spread to the nasal passages and trigger sneezing. When the barrier between the tooth socket and the nose is penetrated, food can enter the nose and cause sneezing.

• Symptoms: Bad breath, drooling, difficulty eating, sneezing.
• What you can do: Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings for your cat. Address any dental issues immediately to prevent complications.

5. Foreign Objects in the Nose

Cats may inhale small particles like dust, grass, or litter, leading to irritation and sneezing.

• Symptoms: Persistent sneezing, pawing at the nose, nasal discharge.
• What you can do: If sneezing persists, consult your vet. Sometimes, the only way to alleviate the symptoms is by removing the object entirely.

6. Fungal or Bacterial Infections

Chronic sneezing can sometimes be caused by fungal infections like cryptococcosis or bacterial infections.

• Symptoms: Persistent sneezing, nasal discharge, loss of appetite.
• What you can do: A veterinarian can diagnose the specific infection and prescribe appropriate antifungal or antibiotic treatments.

When to See a Vet

Sneezing is a natural body response, and it doesn’t cause any concern when it’s occasional. However, if your cat shows these symptoms, it’s time to go to the vet:

• Sneezing persists for more than a few days. 
• Blood or severe nasal discharge.
• Lethargy, loss of appetite, or difficulty breathing.

The best way to keep track of your cat and ensure you don’t miss any of these symptoms is by using Maven Pet’s health monitor. 

This AI-driven smart collar tracks your cat’s respiratory patterns and activity levels. This is especially important because it helps you detect signs of health issues early on.

If pet wellness is your priority, Maven Pet is the perfect ally!

Monitor Your Furry Friend with Maven Pet

Occasional sneezing in cats is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you’ve been wondering, “Why is my cat sneezing all the time?” it’s important to monitor the frequency and accompanying symptoms. 

Maven Pet’s tracker is the best device to monitor your pet’s health. With Maven Pet’s smart collar, you get all the data about activity, sleep, respiratory, and cardiac patterns you need to show your vet and ensure your pet is healthy and happy.

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Maven Pet focuses on improving the quality of life of our pets with technology, using artificial intelligence (AI) to enable proactive pet care. By accurately collecting and monitoring pet data 24/7 and flagging any irregularities, Maven Pet empowers pet parents and veterinarians to stay ahead of potential health issues, ensuring the well-being and longevity of our beloved companions.